Union State partners focus on technology, localization, and new growth sectors over the next three years
2 March 2026, Minsk – Belarus, and Russia are planning to strengthen their economic cooperation by focusing on advanced industries such as robotics, microelectronics, and biotechnology. Speaking in a recent television interview, Dmitry Krutoi, head of the Belarus President Administration, shared insights into how the two countries aim to develop their partnership within the framework of the Union State.
According to Krutoi, industry remains the backbone of cooperation between Belarus and Russia. While traditional manufacturing sectors continue to play a major role, leaders from both countries have identified robotics as a new priority area. The focus is on creating fully localized solutions, where both hardware and software are developed domestically.
One example highlighted was agricultural robotics. Belarus aims to produce milking robots that are entirely homegrown and do not rely on imported components. Russia is pursuing similar goals, especially in industrial robotics, where software is considered the most critical element. This shift places new demands on IT companies and software developers, making closer coordination between technology firms and equipment manufacturers essential.
Krutoi also spoke about discussions held at a recent meeting of the Supreme State Council in Moscow. Progress in microelectronics was described as strong, with Belarusian companies accounting for nearly one-third of Russia’s new import-substitution market segments. This reflects a growing role for Belarusian manufacturers in supplying critical components.
However, not all sectors are moving at the same pace. Machine tool manufacturing has seen slower progress, and industries such as shipbuilding and parts of aircraft manufacturing have not yet reached the level of self-sufficiency originally planned. These challenges were openly discussed, and leaders called for renewed efforts to move from components to finished products.
Krutoi noted that Aleksandr Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin have given similar instructions regarding 26 joint industrial projects under the Union State framework. So far, less than half of the allocated funding has been used, and only a few projects are nearing completion. Both governments have been urged to speed up implementation.
Beyond industry and manufacturing, biotechnology is emerging as another key area of cooperation. Belarus plans to build a full-scale biotechnology cluster, with active participation from Russian partners. Joint projects in this sector are expected to move forward quickly, reflecting shared interest in life sciences and high-value research.
Overall, the next phase of Belarus-Russia cooperation is set to focus on technology-driven growth, deeper industrial integration, and reducing reliance on imports. By prioritizing robotics, microelectronics, and biotechnology, the two countries aim to build a more resilient and modern economic partnership.
